Reds InsiderFrom news of the day to news of the weird, John Fay provides a glimpse of what it’s like to cover the Cincinnati Reds

John Fay has been the Reds beat writer for the Enquirer since 2001. Prior to that, he served in a variety of roles for the Enquirer: backup Reds writer, UC beat writer, backup Bengals writer and as a general assignment reporter. He is a Cincinnati native and a graduate of Elder High School and the University of Dayton.

John,If Homer Bailey does not make the starting rotation, do you think the Reds would consider using him out of the bullpen in long relief? I think letting him come north would actually be more beneficial for him (mentally) than sending him to Louisville.

Think about where the Reds were two years ago in terms of pitching, and now they have Aaron Harang and his 32 wins and 434 strikeouts the last two years, as well as Bronson Arroyo. But one of the best storylines in western Florida has been the springs of Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez.

"We're at the point where we could have two of the better young power arms in baseball in Cueto and Volquez," says Dusty Baker. "Cueto is special -- three or four pitches, a real presence, great stuff. Volquez [acquired for Josh Hamilton] is really good, too. And in his last couple of outings, Homer Bailey has started throwing a lot better. By going out and getting [Francisco] Cordero, we've got the makings of a pretty good staff. With our offense, we can be dangerous."

Cincinnati has been the consensus sleeper in the NL Central behind favorites Chicago and Milwaukee. The Cubs are still trying to address center field and Brian Roberts issues. After losing Chris Capuano to Tommy John surgery, the Brewers' depth isn't what it appeared to be, and scouts say Eric Gagne has yet to throw as well as he did last season.

"At least now we have some depth in our rotation," says Reds GM Wayne Krivsky.

There are still decisions to be made. The first is between Joey Votto and Scott Hatteberg at first base. The second is in center field, between Corey Patterson, Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel.

Baker has already struggled managing Patterson and his career .298 on-base percentage, but wants his defense between Junior Griffey and Adam Dunn. But Dusty sees Patterson maturing as a player.

"Corey seems to be better taking some pitches, trying to get on base, and he's starting to bunt and go the other way," says Baker. Hot prospect Jay Bruce isn't coming through that door for awhile, so maybe they got Patterson at the right time.

Krivsky was hired as GM right before spring training two years ago, but has done an outstanding, underappreciated job with scouting and development. If Cueto, Volquez and even Bailey -- who had fallen in the eyes of many baseball people -- all come on this season, the Reds will be in the best position they've enjoyed in years.

The newly cut Gil might be a secondary trade commodity for a deal with an AL team. If Votto starts, the bench is Hatteberg, 2nd Catcher, Freel, Hopper, and Castro. If no deals are made, the Reds go with Patterson, use 12 pitchers as expected, and stick with Castro and Votto as a starter, then the "25th man" doesn't exist. It's a lot of ifs but they are all affirmative to our best guesses. 8 player starters + 5 bench + 5 pitching starters + 7 bullpen = 25 = no Cabrera, no Green, no A.Phillips, no Hairston, etc...

I'm in the camp that feels there is going to be a trade before Monday. I wouldn't doubt if tight lipped Wayne doesn't have something in the works already. Should be interesting? Freel, Hatteberg, Bailey, and Gil etc. are all possibles to be included.

Thanks for posting that article Bruce! It's nice to see the Reds finally getting some national attention. Let's hope they give them a reason to keep paying attention into September and dare I say it, October!

First of all welcome back John hope everything is well. As I have said the Reds are on the right path. I think with a good leader in the clubhouse we will be a fun team to watch. There is nothing better then watching a game on a nice Saturday night with friends and family at the ballpark. We all need to stay positive this week just like Joe was in the booth and in life

My wife keeps making fun of me because I'm excited about this year! She's not a baseball fan so she doesn't know what is going on but she keeps saying "You said that last year" every time I tell her the Reds have a chance this year :)

OMG the season hasn't started yet? All pitchers have bad games so that's not an issue. Only time will tell if we have a winning team or not. I can't believe someone so negative actually takes the time to post on a blog. There are a lot of other methods to vent that are more effective than thread crapping. Oh well, some people.

Bruce, its good to hear that someone else is positive like me. My wife is the same way your wife is but i keep my head up and cant wait in till opening day. Jack I wish you would be a little positive.Its true we have not played one game yet so why not think positive. But keep posting Jack, I enjoy your comments. If you think this way in life then I feel sorry for you

reganspad when any player like Cueto or volquez has an excellent first half of an entire season, Ill start believing..until then volquez is 3-11 with a 7 ERA in 3 years at the majors.. Cueto has not pitched a regular season game yet..we will see

so reagan your man Bailey that was also gonna save this franchise along with Affeldt and others looks like hes gonna get sent back to the minors LOL

tell everyone again how Juan Castro should be our starter at SS Reagan

Bruce i am looking forward to this season, Julie and I will go to at least 30-40 games and have a blast. I look forward to tremendous improvement and this team playing.500 ball.

Because I am a realist and dont gush over a team that has lost 7 years in a row does not make me any less of a fan than you

That's absolutely true :) But over the last several seasons I've learned to appreciate spring training because it's usually the only time I can be positive about the Reds :) It's a new beginning and every team has the possibility to be great. Then about half way through the season reality sets in and then I can't wait for football season :)

Man I love the Reds and only wish that I wasn't going to miss virtually the whole season this year. As a forward deployed US Navy Sailor, I take the time to daily read the Reds updates and usually take the time to read John's blog.

Jack, while I understand your "realistic" approach to analyzing the uncoming season, I do not understand why you have to be so abbrasive in doing so. Just in case you didn't realize it, you come across as very negative and harsh towards the Reds. While I truly believe you are a devoted Reds fan as well, just know that people DO take offense when you bash their team, that is THE BIGGEST reason why people tend to react towards your comments the way they do.

All, continue to bang the drum. While we may not be there yet, this team is definitly moving in the right direction. In the meantime, please humor me and let me believe that there is hope before hope is dashed. If not for hope, why would I be in the job that I am in!?! I love this country and I love the Reds. Go Reds!!!

You know Jack, earlier in the post-season John Fay asked for input about the Reds' chances and I think both you and I said 3rd place. Well, with your acrid, lifeless, not to mention repetitive dis-spirited comments, I hope they come on like gangbusters and crush the hell out of your assinine soul-crushing commments. You think you are realistic but you suck the life out of everything. I would love to see the Reds go all the way just to spite you and your gleefully spirit-killing ilk. Then again they could suck and you are entiltled to gloat to your dessicated heart's content.

I think the Reds chances for success rest on the arms of their young pitchers. If Cueto and Volquez do well the Reds have an excellant shot at stealing this division. They're very talented and as deep as I've seen them in quite some time.

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